Route finding
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When backpacking, students are broken into groups called "patrols". Each patrol is made up of eight students and two adult leaders. For safety and support reasons, each patrol has a sister patrol that hikes the same trail and camps nearby.
On average, students will hike five to six miles per day. Each trail goes over at least one mountain pass which offers incredible views as well as a sense of accomplishment. |
A patrol headed to West Maroon Pass
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While on the trail, students will have the opportunity to complete a solo experience. This special, 24-hour alone time, allows students to reflect on who they are and who they hope to become. Students are located close by the patrol camp and are monitored frequently by the two patrol leaders. This long standing tradition is often mentioned by former students as one of the most powerful and positive of the outdoor education experiences.
Brian Hightower discusses the value of the solo experience
TRAIL ROUTES
The Aspen Middle School uses five routes to make our way to Basecamp, located 3 miles above Marble, Colorado. West Maroon, Buckskin, Snowmass, Capitol and Avalanche trails each cover between 20 and 30 miles. Students hike either four or five days, depending on their departure date. We cannot emphasize enough that every trail is doable for every type of student at every fitness level. We work hard to make sure each and every student is successful on this trip, regardless of the trail they hike.
West Maroon (shown in blue) leaves from the visitor's center at Maroon Lake and passes Crater Lake on the way over West Maroon Pass. The trail then winds down and over Frigid Air Pass and then into Fravert Basin. From there, the trail heads around Geneva Lake and over the Meadow Mountain Traverse. Finally, the trail intersects the North Fork Lost Trail that leads into Basecamp.
Buckskin (shown in red) leaves from the visitor's center at Maroon Lake and heads up towards Buckskin Pass. After the pass, the trail winds around Snowmass Lake on the way to Trail Rider Pass. This route also passes Geneva Lake, goes over the Meadow Mountain Traverse, and finally intersects the North Fork Lost Trail that heads into Basecamp.
Snowmass (shown in green) begins at the East Snowmass Trailhead and heads up towards Snowmass Lake. The trail then goes up and over Trail Rider Pass. This route also passes Geneva Lake, goes over the Meadow Mountain Traverse, and finally intersects the North Fork Lost Trail that leads into Basecamp.
Capitol (shown in brown) begins at Capitol Creek Trailhead and heads up towards Capitol Lake. From there, the trail goes up and over Capitol Pass and intersects with the Avalanche -Silver Creek trail. The trail continues over Sky Pilot Pass and Grass Pass before meeting the North Fork Lost Trail to head towards Basecamp.
Avalanche (shown in orange) begins at the Avalanche- Silver Creek Trailhead and heads up towards Avalanche Lake. The trail winds up and over Sky Pilot Pass and Grass Pass to finally intersect with the North Fork Lost Trail that leads into Basecamp.
The Aspen Middle School uses five routes to make our way to Basecamp, located 3 miles above Marble, Colorado. West Maroon, Buckskin, Snowmass, Capitol and Avalanche trails each cover between 20 and 30 miles. Students hike either four or five days, depending on their departure date. We cannot emphasize enough that every trail is doable for every type of student at every fitness level. We work hard to make sure each and every student is successful on this trip, regardless of the trail they hike.
West Maroon (shown in blue) leaves from the visitor's center at Maroon Lake and passes Crater Lake on the way over West Maroon Pass. The trail then winds down and over Frigid Air Pass and then into Fravert Basin. From there, the trail heads around Geneva Lake and over the Meadow Mountain Traverse. Finally, the trail intersects the North Fork Lost Trail that leads into Basecamp.
Buckskin (shown in red) leaves from the visitor's center at Maroon Lake and heads up towards Buckskin Pass. After the pass, the trail winds around Snowmass Lake on the way to Trail Rider Pass. This route also passes Geneva Lake, goes over the Meadow Mountain Traverse, and finally intersects the North Fork Lost Trail that heads into Basecamp.
Snowmass (shown in green) begins at the East Snowmass Trailhead and heads up towards Snowmass Lake. The trail then goes up and over Trail Rider Pass. This route also passes Geneva Lake, goes over the Meadow Mountain Traverse, and finally intersects the North Fork Lost Trail that leads into Basecamp.
Capitol (shown in brown) begins at Capitol Creek Trailhead and heads up towards Capitol Lake. From there, the trail goes up and over Capitol Pass and intersects with the Avalanche -Silver Creek trail. The trail continues over Sky Pilot Pass and Grass Pass before meeting the North Fork Lost Trail to head towards Basecamp.
Avalanche (shown in orange) begins at the Avalanche- Silver Creek Trailhead and heads up towards Avalanche Lake. The trail winds up and over Sky Pilot Pass and Grass Pass to finally intersect with the North Fork Lost Trail that leads into Basecamp.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Map
BASECAMP
In mid to late afternoon, as patrols enter Basecamp, true elation is evident. Student's pride in their backpacking accomplishment and the joy of sharing stories with classmates is clear.
The focus shifts from the small group patrols to the entire eighth-grade. The large camping area, communal meal tents, and campfires provide opportunities for students to share their experiences. The next two days are filled with rewarding, challenging, and group-bonding activities.
In mid to late afternoon, as patrols enter Basecamp, true elation is evident. Student's pride in their backpacking accomplishment and the joy of sharing stories with classmates is clear.
The focus shifts from the small group patrols to the entire eighth-grade. The large camping area, communal meal tents, and campfires provide opportunities for students to share their experiences. The next two days are filled with rewarding, challenging, and group-bonding activities.
Resourcefulness, perseverance, and reliance upon peers are all evident during Basecamp activities.